Azmatullah Omarzai has quickly become one of the most impactful Afghan all-rounders in T20 cricket. His swing bowling, lower-order power-hitting, and calm temperament under pressure have made him a valuable addition to Punjab Kings. Ahead of IPL 2026, the franchise has retained him for another season, showing strong belief in his growing importance within the squad.
Azmatullah Omarzai IPL 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Punjab Kings (PBKS) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹2.40 Crore |
| Role | All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Fast-Medium |
| IPL Debut | 2024 |
| Nationality | Afghanistan |
Punjab Kings secured him for ₹2.40 Crore and decided to continue with him for IPL 2026 due to his all-round contributions in the last two seasons.
Early Life & Rise in Cricket
Azmatullah Omarzai was born on 24 March 2000 in Kunar, Afghanistan. Initially a footballer, he switched to cricket as a teenager and soon impressed in age-group tournaments. His breakout came in the 2018 U19 World Cup, where he delivered with both bat and ball.
He later became a crucial performer for Afghanistan in limited-overs cricket, showcasing:
- Swing with the new ball
- Effective variations in middle overs
- Strong lower-order hitting
- Big-match temperament
His performance in Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal run further boosted his reputation.
Read Also: Top 5 Most Expensive Overseas Players in IPL History
IPL Journey So Far
IPL Debut – 2024
Omarzai made his debut for Gujarat, picking 2/27 against Mumbai in Ahmedabad. He also played a brisk 33 off 20 against Delhi, showing glimpses of being a reliable finisher.
Move to Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings won a bidding battle in 2025 to sign him for ₹2.4 Crore, recognising his potential as a three-phase bowler and handy lower-order hitter.
He continued with PBKS into IPL 2026, being retained by the franchise.
Azmatullah Omarzai IPL Career Stats
Batting & Fielding Stats
| Year | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Strike Rate | Average | 4s | 6s | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 16 | 99 | 21* | 133.78 | 12.38 | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| 2025 | 9 | 57 | 21* | 139.02 | 14.25 | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| 2024 | 7 | 42 | 17 | 127.27 | 10.50 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Bowling Stats
| Year | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best | Economy | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 288 | 465 | 12 | 2/27 | 9.69 | 38.75 | 24.00 |
| 2025 | 162 | 279 | 8 | 2/33 | 10.33 | 34.88 | 20.25 |
| 2024 | 126 | 186 | 4 | 2/27 | 8.86 | 46.50 | 31.50 |
Omarzai’s wicket-taking ability in powerplay overs and naturally aggressive batting style add crucial depth to PBKS’ squad.
Role for PBKS in IPL 2026
1. New-Ball Swing
He can move the ball both ways, making him a threat in the first two overs.
2. Impact Middle-Overs Bowler
His hard lengths and wobble-seam deliveries trouble set batters.
3. Lower-Order Finisher
Quick fire 10–25 run cameos add important runs late in the innings.
4. Versatile All-Rounder
Offers balance as a seam-bowling all-rounder—something PBKS lacked in previous seasons.
5. Big-Match Temperament
His composure in franchise and international cricket makes him reliable in pressure moments.
Why PBKS Retained Azmatullah Omarzai for IPL 2026
- Continues improving each season
- Offers a rare powerplay wicket-taking option
- Provides hitting depth at No. 7 or 8
- Young, energetic player with long-term investment value
- Works well under pressure situations
- Complements PBKS’ pace attack structure
FAQs
1. What is Azmatullah Omarzai’s IPL 2026 price?
He will play IPL 2026 for PBKS at a price of ₹2.40 Crore.
2. Which team will Azmatullah Omarzai play for in IPL 2026?
He has been retained by Punjab Kings (PBKS).
3. What is his best IPL bowling performance?
His best IPL figures are 2/27.
4. What role does he play in PBKS?
He is a seam-bowling all-rounder who bowls in powerplay and contributes with late-order hitting.
